If the NBA is the stock market, then Chicago must prove that they really are bulls, not bears.
With Scott Skiles gone, fantasy owners with valuable Bulls in them must keep track of the team's new rotation in the box scores. Expect the same starting lineup to emerge, and with a replacement yet to be named, here are the three things to watch out for:
1. This is still Luol Deng's team, but Ben Gordon will pile up the points.
Gordon has been freezing the entire season (who in the Bulls hasn't been?), and his 38.5% FG shooting will go up with more freedom to do his damage. Look for him to take the shot and become less hesitant as the games progress and as he tries to get back his groove. Sell him high once the numbers start going up. He is only racking up 17 points when he is actually capable of blowing up for 21-22ppg in a more spread out court. Whatever happens, expect a spike in production on the points and FTs made (with a slight decline in FT%).
2. Expect Tyrus Thomas to go berserk, and not in a good way.
His lack of discipline will work against him now that Skiles is out of the way. Unless the management from the Windy City sign another defensive-minded mentor, Thomas will face an inevitable decline in statistics. For a PF, his 42% FG is disappointing and will not be heading up anytime soon. Currently only at 0.9bpg, he might find a way to bring this statistic up, but he may pick up additional fouls in the process. Watch out on how he'll perform before 2007 ends.
3. Remember Kirk Hinrich's slump? He's still not out of it, but don't drop him.
While Hinrich is alternating through streaks and slumps (burst for 22 after going for 2 and 8), it might be wise to keep him if you're after his FT (92% is Mark Price-caliber) and since he's piling up similar rebounds and assists with his career averages, it's only a matter of time before the points follow suit. Better wax hot later on a slow burn than run out of steam in the long run.
The three factors are still very prone to change. At this point, this is their projected performance while the team is manned by Ron Adams and Pete Myers.
Image from Associated Press
2 comments:
I think Tyrus Thomas will be use more often by the interim coach because Paxson wants to prove that Tyrus is better than the player that they drafted and later traded for Thomas - Aldridge.
hinrich is ok (undroppable... BUT) he needs to damn shape up! everyone's in a slump in the windy city lol. i'm counting them out of the playoffs... because the hawks are owning! hahaha! and obviously, nobody wants indiana to be in the top 8 so cavs and nets lock those last 2 spots!!! biased here :D
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